The sun creates two main types of energy – light and heat – that we can harness for many activities ranging from photosynthesis in plants to creating electricity with photovoltaic (PV) cells to heating water and food.

solar cooker

Solar power is generated in two main ways: Photovoltaics (PV), also called solar cells, are electronic devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The modern solar cell is likely an image most people would recognise – they are in the panels installed on houses and in calculators.

Solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. This electricity can then be used to supply renewable energy to your home or business.

The most common types of solar energy

• Photovoltaic systems. One of the most common ways to use solar power is to use photovoltaic systems or as they are also known solar cell systems, which produce electricity directly from sunlight.
• Solar water heating systems.
• Solar power plants.
• Passive solar heating.

• Location & Sunlight Availability. Your latitude is one of the main factors in determining the efficacy of solar power.
• Reliability.
• Inefficiency.
• Pollution & Environmental Impact.
• Expensive Energy Storage.
• High Initial Cost.
• Solar Panels could Damage your Roof.

By reducing or eliminating your electricity bill, taking advantage of federal tax credits, increasing the value of your home, and much more – going solar is definitely worth it. Your exact return on investment is also affected by which solar payment option you choose.

Solar panel systems are incredibly durable and require little to no maintenance over their productive lifetime, which can span 25 years or more. In the event that something does go wrong, your solar PV system components have very long warranties that would cover replacement and repair costs.

Degradation rate is the rate at which solar panels lose efficiency over time. That means that after 25 years of use, about 4 out of 5 solar panels still operate at 75% efficiency or better. At this point, it’s fair to estimate your solar panels will still produce energy in some capacity, long after the warranty is up.

Do Solar Panels Degrade over Time? As with most technologies, solar panels will naturally produce less energy over time. This reduced power output is called the degradation rate. After 20 years, your panels should still be working at about 90% of its original output.

So, a good rule of thumb is to arrange for a cleaning at least every six months, possibly more if you feel the panels are constantly getting dirty. If there isn’t much of an issue, then one cleaning every six months should be more than enough.

Don’t walk on your solar panels! This NREL research video shows that silicon solar cells crack when you walk or kneel on them. Solar cells are easy to break. But when they’re packaged in the module, it can be impossible to see this damage.

Pressure washers are great for cleaning the exterior of your home, including the roof and gutters, but it should never be used on solar panels. Yes, their high reach and pressure makes cleaning large sections of solar panels much easier but doing so runs the risk of damaging the panels.

The most effective way to clean your solar panels is with a hose and a bucket of soapy water. Essentially, in the same manner you would wash your car at home. Because you don’t want to scratch the panels in any way, it’s best to use just water and a non-abrasive sponge to apply soapy water.

To answer the question can you clean your solar panels with Windex? The answer is yes, but if you have a bunch of solar panels, that could take some time because with regular Windex you will have to wipe them down as well. It’s best to go with an outdoor Windex solution instead.

Use of abrasive powders also risks scratching the panels. Given the nature of good quality solar panel glass, clean water and a little scrubbing with a coarse cloth covered sponge or soft brush should remove the most stubborn grime. Plastic scourers may also be used.

How much does solar panel maintenance cost? The national average cost for routine solar panel maintenance is between $140 and $180, but warranties cover the expense of many services. The service you’re most likely to need is an annual inspection, which costs $150 on average across the nation.

Solar panels are waterproof, so moisture won’t damage them. And, in fact, rain is helpful in that it will wash off some of the dirt and debris that accumulates on the panels over time.

Modern-day solar panels are built in a way that allows them to withstand different and extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snowstorm, hail, severe wind, and extreme heat. Although they are built to last and to face different challenges, solar panels can be damaged by hail or storm, for example.

They are most expensive because of their quality of occupying less space, high power output and long durability.